Liquid collection system and related methods

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/700,355,filed Jan. 31, 2007, the entire specification claims and drawings ofwhich are incorporated herewith by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to fluidcollection systems and related methods. More specifically, particularembodiments of the invention relate to a liquid collection system havingmultiple storage chambers and related methods of use.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Hospital operating rooms and other healthcare facilities generate alarge volume of liquid waste, which may include irrigation liquids andsecretions removed from patient's body (e.g., blood and other bodilyliquids). One study shows that a typical operating room generates abouttwo tons of liquid waste each month. Such liquid waste is consideredinfectious medical waste and must be disposed of in accordance withstringent safety standards established by federal and state regulations.

To collect and dispose such liquid waste, suction canisters aretypically used in hospital operating rooms and other healthcarefacilities. A suction canister is a temporary storage container thatuses suction to create a negative pressure inside the canister to drainliquids or secretions from the patients' body. After each medicalprocedure (e.g., surgery), the canister containing the liquid waste istransported to a utility area to be disposed of as red-bag waste or tobe emptied, cleaned, and disinfected for reuse. A new or cleanedcanister is then brought into the operating room for a next medicalprocedure. This process can be labor intensive and time consuming.Furthermore, since this process is performed every time following eachmedical procedure, it may increase the clinicians' risk of exposure topotentially hazardous waste.

In an effort to reduce the number of such frequent disposal processes, awaste system equipped with a large reusable container (e.g., 20 liters)and a disposable manifold has been suggested to enable continued wastecollection during multiple medical procedures. Such a system, however,cannot provide adequate information about the content and amount ofliquid being collected during a medical procedure, since the liquidbeing collected directly flows into the large container and is mixedwith the previously collected waste. Thus, physicians and cliniciansparticipating in the procedure may not be able to make a quick andsimple visual assessment of the contents and amount of liquid beingcollected to determine, for example, the amount of blood loss or thecomposition of the liquid, which may be critical in certain types ofmedical procedures.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved waste management systemthat may overcome one or more of the problems discussed above. Inparticular, there is a need for an improved liquid collection systemthat may reduce the number of disposal processes and, at the same time,provides adequate information (e.g., volume and contents) about theliquid being collected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, various exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide aliquid collection system that utilizes multiple storage chambers toimprove labor efficiency, safety, and convenience of the medicalpersonnel participating in a liquid collection process. For example, themultiple storage chambers may provide a clean collection interface thatmay reduce the need for frequent disposal processes, thereby reducingthe medical personnel's risk of exposure to potentially hazardous waste.

While the present invention will be described in connection with aparticular medical waste collection process, various embodiments of theinvention may be used in other suitable medical and non-medicalapplications, such as, for example, a medical or non-medical cleaningprocess.

To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purpose of theinvention, as embodied and broadly described herein, one exemplaryaspect of the invention may provide a fluid collection system comprisinga first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and asecond chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The secondchamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. Thesecond chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to anexternal tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquidfrom the second chamber into the first chamber.

In another exemplary aspect, the second chamber may be removablyconnected to the first chamber. In still another exemplary aspect, thesecond chamber may comprise an overflow mechanism configured to allowliquid collected in the second chamber to flow into the first chamberwhen a liquid level in the second chamber rises above a predeterminedlevel.

According to still yet another exemplary aspect, the fluid communicationbetween the first chamber and the second chamber may comprise a conduithaving a first end extending to an upper portion of the second chamberand a second end communicating with the first chamber. The second end ofthe conduit may extend into an interior of the first chamber. In someexemplary embodiments, the conduit may extend vertically across a bottomwall of the second chamber.

In some exemplary aspects, the system may comprise a drain passagecommunicating between the first chamber and the second chamber. Thedrain passage may comprise a valve configured to open and close thedrain passage so as to selectively allow the liquid collected in thesecond chamber to flow from the second chamber to the first chamber. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the drain passage may comprise an openingin the second chamber. For example, the valve may comprise a platemember having an opening, and the second chamber and the plate membermay be movable relative to one another between an open position, inwhich the opening of the second chamber is in alignment with the openingof the plate member, and a closed position, in which the opening of thesecond chamber is not in alignment with the opening of the plate member.

In another aspect of the invention, the system may comprise a supportmember having a first end configured to communicate with the secondchamber and a second end configured to be removably placed on a top ofthe first chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the firstchamber. The support member may be configured to establish the fluidcommunication between the first chamber and the second chamber when thesupport member is placed on the top of the first chamber.

According to various exemplary aspects, the second chamber may comprisea main body, a lid having the inlet port and configured to substantiallyclose the main body, and a liner disposed inside the main body. The lidand the liner may define an interior space in fluid communication withthe inlet port, and the main body and the liner may define an exteriorspace.

In another exemplary aspect, the fluid connection between the firstchamber and the second chamber may comprise a first line forcommunicating between the first chamber and the interior space, a secondline for communicating between the first chamber and the exterior space,and a valve configured to open and close the second line. In someexemplary embodiments, the first line may comprise a first passage and asecond passage, where ends of the first and second passages inside thesecond chamber may be located at different elevations from one another.The first line may define both the first passage and the second passagein a single conduit. In one exemplary embodiment, the second line may bebranched off from the first line.

According to still another exemplary aspect, the fluid communicationbetween the first chamber and the second chamber may be configured suchthat, with the inlet port closed, closing the valve may cause theinterior space to collapse and to thereby cause the fluid collected inthe second chamber to flow into the first chamber.

In one exemplary aspect, the liner may be configured to prevent directcontact between the fluid collected in the interior space and the mainbody. In another exemplary aspect, at least a portion of the secondchamber may comprise a transparent material. In still another exemplaryaspect, the second chamber may comprise volume graduations.

Another exemplary aspect of the invention may provide a method ofcollecting liquid. The method may comprise providing a first chamber influid communication with a suction source, connecting a second chamberin fluid communication with the first chamber, the second chamber havinga volume smaller than a volume of the first chamber, and the secondchamber being connected to an external tube, collecting liquid in thesecond chamber via the external tube, and selectively draining theliquid collected in the second chamber into the first chamber. In stillanother exemplary aspect, the method may comprise removing the secondchamber from the first chamber.

In an exemplary aspect, selectively draining the liquid may compriseallowing the liquid to flow into the first chamber when a liquid levelin the second chamber rises above a predetermined level. In anotherexemplary aspect, connecting the second chamber in fluid communicationwith the first chamber may comprise providing a conduit having a firstend extending to an upper portion of the second chamber and a second endcommunicating with the first chamber. The conduit may extend verticallyacross a bottom wall of the second chamber.

In still another exemplary aspect, selectively draining the liquid maycomprise providing a valve configured to open and close a flow passagecommunicating between the first chamber and the second chamber, so as toselectively allow the liquid collected in the second chamber to flowinto the first chamber.

In still yet another exemplary aspect, the flow passage may comprise afirst opening in the second chamber and a plate member having a secondopening. The second chamber and the plate member may be rotatablerelative to one another between an open position, in which the firstopening is aligned with the second opening, and a closed position, inwhich the first opening is not aligned with the second opening.

In one exemplary aspect, connecting the second chamber in fluidcommunication with the first chamber may comprise providing a supportmember having a first end configured to communicate with the secondchamber and a second end configured to be removably placed on a top ofthe first chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the firstchamber. The support member may establish the fluid communicationbetween the first chamber and the second chamber when the support memberis placed on the top of the first chamber.

In another exemplary aspect, the method may comprise providing a linerbetween a main body and a lid of the second chamber, such that the lidand the liner define an interior space in fluid communication with theexternal tube and such that the main body and the liner define anexterior space. Selectively draining the liquid may comprise collapsingthe liner using the suction source to drain the liquid collected in thesecond chamber into the first chamber.

According to some exemplary aspects, connecting the second chamber influid communication with the first chamber may comprise connecting afirst line between the first chamber and the interior space, andconnecting a second line between the first chamber and the exteriorspace. In an exemplary embodiment, the first line may comprise a firstpassage and a second passage, and ends of the first and second passagesinside the second chamber may be located at different elevations fromone another. In another exemplary embodiment, the second line may bebranched off from the first line. Selectively draining the liquid maycomprise closing the second line so as to cause the internal space tocollapse and to cause the liquid collected in the second chamber to flowinto the first chamber.

In various exemplary aspect, collecting the liquid may comprisecollecting liquid during a medical procedure. In another exemplaryaspect, the method may further comprise applying suction to the secondchamber from the first chamber.

Some exemplary aspects of the invention may also provide a liquidcollection chamber comprising a main body configured to collect liquid,an inlet port for connecting to an external tube, and a flow passagecommunicating between an interior and an exterior of the main body. Thechamber may be configured to selectively drain liquid collected in themain body through the flow passage without tilting the main body.

In another exemplary aspect, the chamber may comprise a lid configuredto substantially close an opening of the main body, and the lid maycomprise the inlet port. In still another exemplary aspect, the chambermay further comprise a liner disposed inside the main body. The lid andthe liner may define a first space in fluid communication with the inletport, and the main body and the liner may define a second space.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the flow passage maycomprises a first line for communicating between a suction source andthe first space, a second line for communicating between the suctionsource and the second space, and a valve configured to open and closethe second line. The first line may comprise a first passage and asecond passage, and ends of the first and second passages inside themain body may be located at different elevations from one another. Insome exemplary embodiments, the first line may define both the firstpassage and the second passage in a single conduit.

In another exemplary aspect, the second line may be branched off fromthe first line. In still another exemplary aspect, the flow passage maybe configured such that, with the inlet port closed, closing the valvemay cause the first space to collapse and to thereby cause the liquidcollected in the main body to flow out of the main body. In oneexemplary aspect, the liner may be configured to prevent direct contactbetween the liquid collected in the first space and the main body.

According to one exemplary aspect, the flow passage may be positioned atan upper portion of the main body. In another exemplary aspect, thechamber may comprise an overflow mechanism configured to allow liquidcollected in the main body to drain out of the main body when a liquidlevel in the main body rises above a predetermined level.

In still another exemplary aspect, the chamber may comprise a suctionport for connecting to a suction source. In still yet another exemplaryaspect, the flow passage may comprise the suction port. In variousexemplary embodiments, the suction port may comprise a conduit having afirst end extending to an upper portion of the main body and a secondend communicating with the exterior of the main body. In an exemplaryembodiment, the conduit may extend vertically across a bottom wall ofthe main body.

In another exemplary aspect, the flow passage may comprise a valveconfigured to open and close the flow passage so as to selectively drainliquid collected in the main body to the exterior. The flow passage maycomprise a first opening in the main body, and the valve may comprise aplate member having a second opening. The main body and the plate membermay be movable relative to one another between an open position, inwhich the first opening is in alignment with the second opening, and aclosed position, in which the first opening is not in alignment with thesecond opening.

According to another exemplary aspect, the chamber may comprise asupport member having a first end configured to communicate with themain body and a second end configured to be removably placed on astorage container in fluid communication with an interior of the storagecontainer. The support member may be configured to establish a fluidcommunication between the interior of the main body and the interior ofthe storage container when the support member is placed on the storagecontainer.

Still another exemplary aspect may provide a method of performing amedical procedure. The method may comprise placing a second chamber influid communication with a first chamber, the first chamber having avolume greater than a volume of the second chamber, collecting liquid inthe second chamber during a medical procedure, transferring the liquidcollected in the second chamber into the first chamber, replacing atleast a portion of the second chamber with a clean unit, and placing theremoved portion in a waste container.

In some exemplary embodiment, replacing at least a portion of the secondchamber may comprise removing the second chamber from the first chamberand replacing the second chamber with a third chamber configured likethe second chamber.

According to another exemplary aspect, the method may comprise providingthe second chamber in fluid communication with a suction source. Instill another aspect, collecting liquid may comprise drawing liquid intothe second chamber via a suction tube connected to the second chamber.

In one exemplary aspect, transferring may comprise actuating a valve toopen a flow passage connecting between the first chamber and the secondchamber. In another exemplary aspect, placing the first chamber in fluidcommunication with the second chamber may comprise removably placing thesecond chamber on a top of the first chamber in fluid communication withan interior of the first chamber.

In various exemplary aspects, the method may comprise providing a linerbetween a main body and a lid of the second chamber, such that the lidand the liner define an interior space in fluid communication with anexternal tube and such that the main body and the liner define anexterior space. The method may also comprise collapsing the liner totransfer the liquid from the second chamber to the first chamber. In anexemplary aspect, replacing at least a portion of the second chamber maycomprise removing the liner and the lid from the main body and placinganother liner and another lid on the main body.

In another exemplary aspect, the method may comprise treating the liquidcollected in the second chamber before transferring to the firstchamber. In still another exemplary aspect, the method may comprisefiltering the liquid collected in the second chamber before transferringto the first chamber. In still yet another exemplary aspect, the methodmay comprise applying suction to the second chamber via the firstchamber.

According to various exemplary aspects, liquid collected in the secondchamber may be from a first patient, and the method may comprisecollecting liquid from a second patient in the clean unit. In anexemplary aspect, the first chamber may retain liquid collected from thefirst patient while liquid is being collected from the second patient inthe clean unit.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate various embodiments consistentwith the invention, and, together with the description, serve to explainthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid collection system, according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the liquid collection system ofFIG. 1, illustrating that the second chamber may be removable from thefirst chamber.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the second chamber shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating liquid collection and liquid drainingprocesses, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second chamber of FIG. 1,illustrating the liquid collection process.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second chamber of FIG. 1,illustrating the liquid collection process when the second chamber isfull.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second chamber of FIG. 1,illustrating the liquid draining process.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a liquid collection system, according toanother exemplary embodiment of the invention, illustrating a liquidcollection process.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of a liquid collection system, according toanother exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the liquid collection system of FIG. 7,illustrating a liquid draining process.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic illustrations of a disposal and setupprocess for a new medical procedure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments consistentwith the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a multi-chamber liquid collection system 10,according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The system 10 maycomprise a first chamber 20, a second chamber 40, and a suitable suctionsource 60. The suction source 60, which may be a portable unit, maycomprise a suction pump or compressor to generate a negative pressure(e.g., vacuum) in the first and second chambers 20, 40. The negativepressure may be used to draw liquid into the collection system 10.

The term “liquid,” as used herein, is not merely referring to a state ofmatter as defined in the thermodynamic and/or fluid mechanics art.Instead, the term “liquid” includes any solid particles that mayincidentally flow with a liquid medium (e.g., irrigation fluid or blood)or that may be intentionally collected using a liquid medium. Forexample, when the fluid collection system 10 of the invention is used ina surgical procedure, the term “liquid” may refer to a combination ofliquid medium (e.g., irrigation fluid, blood, and other bodily liquidfrom the patient) and any solid particles including, but not limited to,resected tissue removed from the patient's body.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the first chamber 20 may have a volumesubstantially greater than a volume of the second chamber 40. By way ofexamples only, in some exemplary embodiments, the volume of the firstchamber may be about 20 liters, and the volume of the second chamber 40may be about 3 liters. These volumes may vary depending upon the type ofmedical procedures and/or the anticipated amount of liquid to becollected. The first and second chambers 20, 40 may also have a varietyof different shapes. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, thefirst chamber 20 may have a substantially cylindrical body 25 with asubstantially flat bottom surface 28, and the second chamber 40 may havea generally tapering, frustoconical-shaped body 45, as best shown inFIG. 1. The first and second chambers 20, 40 may be made of a materialthat is sufficiently strong to withstand the negative pressure generatedby the suction source 60.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first chamber 20 may include a cap 22 configuredto close the top opening of the cylindrical body 25. The cap 22 mayinclude at least two access ports: a first access port 23 for connectingto the suction source 60 via a suitable suction conduit 62 and a secondaccess port 21 for communicating with the second chamber 40. The suctionconduit 62 may be removable from the first chamber 20 and/or the suctionsource 60. As will be described later in detail, a portion of the secondchamber 40 may be configured to engage the second access port 21 toestablish liquid and suction connections between the first and secondchambers 20, 40. Moreover, the connection between the first and secondchambers 20, 40 may enable selective draining of liquid from the secondchamber 40 to the first chamber 20.

At least a portion of the first chamber 20 may be transparent (orsufficiently translucent to visualize the liquid level inside the firstchamber 20) so that the physicians and/or technicians participating inthe medical procedure may determine the amount of liquid collected inthe first chamber 20. The first chamber 20 may also include volumegraduations 24 to more accurately measure the liquid amount. In someexemplary embodiments, the first chamber 20 may include a drain port(not shown) located at or near the bottom portion of the first chamber20 for draining the liquid when desired.

Although not necessary, the system 10 may include a transporter unit 80having a flat platform 84, on which the first chamber 20 may be placed,as shown in FIG. 1. The transporter unit 80 may also include a suitableholding member to secure the first chamber 20 to the transporter unit80. The transporter unit 80 may also include wheels 86 to facilitatetransport of the system 10. The suction source 60 may be integrallyformed with, or separately provided to, the transporter unit 80.

The second chamber 40 may comprise a main body 45, a lid 42, and a basemember 48, as best shown in FIG. 2. The second chamber 40 may bepositioned at an elevation higher than an elevation of the first chamber20, so that the liquid collected in the second chamber 40 can flow intothe first chamber 20 via gravity. The second chamber 40 may be at leastpartially transparent to enable physicians and technicians to examinethe amount and contents of the liquid being collected in the secondchamber 40. The second chamber 40 may also include volume graduations 44to more accurately measure the amount of liquid being collected.

The lid 42 may close the top opening of the main body 45 in a leak-tightmanner. The lid 42 may include a connecting port 41 for connecting to asuction tube 78 (e.g., a suction tube used to collect patient fluidsduring a surgical procedure, a suction tube of a suction catheter, aG-tube, or a wound drain tube) via a suitable connector 79, as shown inFIG. 1. In some exemplary embodiments, including the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 42 may include one or more additional ports 41.These ports 41 may be used to connect one or more additional medicaldevices simultaneously or to treat the liquid collected in the secondchamber 40 with chemicals before being transferred to the first chamber20. When not in use, these additional ports 41 may be closed with caps,which may be integrally attached to the lid 42. The connecting ports 41may have various different sizes and shapes to accommodate variousmedical devices that may be used with the system 10.

As best shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the base member 48 may have afunnel-like configuration having a wide portion for receiving a bottomportion of the main body 45 and a narrow portion defined by an outerwall 48 a. In some exemplary embodiments, the base member 48 may beintegrally formed with the main body 45. The base member 48 may includea transverse wall 48 b extending across the outer wall 48 a and anannular extension 48 c extending substantially perpendicularly from thetransverse wall 48 b. The transverse wall 48 b may define an opening 46,which, as will be described further herein, may be used to selectivelydrain the liquid collected in the second chamber 40 into the firstchamber 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the transverse wall 48 b mayinclude more than one opening 46. The annular extension 48 c may beconfigured to receive and hold a suction conduit 55. Any other suitableholding mechanism may be used alternatively or additionally to hold thesuction conduit 55 inside the second chamber 40.

The suction conduit 55 has a first end 55 a positioned near the top ofthe second chamber 40 and a second end 55 b positioned below the basemember 48. When the opening 46 of the transverse wall 48 b is closed,the suction conduit 55 may provide the only passage that communicatesbetween the first and second chambers 20, 40 and, as will be explainedfurther herein, may serve as both a suction passage and an overflowpassage between the first and second chambers 20, 40.

The elevational position of the first end 55 a inside the second chamber40 may correspond to the maximum liquid level desired in the secondchamber 40. For example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, as the liquid levelinside the second chamber 40 rises above the first end 55 a of thesuction conduit 55, the liquid above the first end 55 a may enter thefirst end 55 a of the suction conduit 55 and flow down into the firstchamber 20. Thus, depending on the desired maximum liquid level in thesecond chamber 40, the first end 55 a may be positioned at a differentelevation.

In some exemplary embodiments, the second end 55 b may extend into thefirst chamber 20, and the elevational position of the second end 55 b inthe first chamber 20 may correspond to the desired maximum liquid levelin the first chamber 20. For example, as the liquid level in the firstchamber 20 rises above the elevational position of the second end 55 b,the opening of the second end 55 b may be closed by the rising liquid.Closing the opening may interrupt the suction communication between thefirst and second chambers 20, 40, thereby disabling the suctionoperation of the suction tube 78 and stopping the flow from the secondchamber 40 into the first chamber 20.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the system 10 may further comprise asupport member 50 having a suitable valve mechanism for enablingselective draining of the second chamber 40. The support member 50 mayinclude an annular body 52 configured to receive the outer wall 48 a ofthe base member 48. In some exemplary embodiments, the annular body 52and the base member 48 may be rotatable relative to each other. To guidethe rotational movement, the outer tubular wall 48 a may define a groove47 or slot at least partially extending circumferentially around itsouter surface, and the annular body 52 may include a projection 53extending from its inner surface. In an alternative embodiment, theouter wall 48 a may include the projection 53 extending from its outersurface, and the annular body 52 may define the corresponding groove 47on its inner surface. To aid the rotational movement, at least one ofthe annular body 52 and the base member 48 may include a handle 49. Aswill be explained later, the handle 49 may also function as a positionindicator for indicating whether the second chamber 40 is in acollecting mode or in a draining mode.

The support member 50 may also include a fitting sleeve 58 extendingfrom the annular body 52 through a tapering shoulder portion 57. As bestshown in FIG. 2, the fitting sleeve 58 may be sized and configured tofit into the second access port 21 of the first chamber 20. Tofacilitate its insertion into the second access port 21, at least thebottom end portion of the fitting sleeve 58 may be tapered. In someexemplary embodiments, when the fitting sleeve 58 is inserted into thesecond access port 21, the shoulder portion 57 may abut a mouth portionof the second access port 21 to more stably support the second chamber40 on the first chamber 20. In addition, at least one of the secondaccess port 21 and the fitting sleeve 58 may comprise a suitable sealingmember (e.g., rubber neck) to seal the connection in a leak-tightmanner.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the support member 50 may include a platemember 51 defining a central hole, through which the suction conduit 55may pass, and a valve opening 56 configured to selectively align withthe opening 46 of the base member 48 to selectively open and close theflow passage between the first and second chambers 20, 40. For example,as shown in FIG. 3B, to open the flow passage, the base member 48 and/orthe support member 50 may be rotated relative to one another to alignthe opening 46 of the transverse wall 48 b with the opening 56 of theplate member 51. Where the base member 48 is integrally formed with themain body 45, the main body 45 may be rotated to cause the rotationalmovement of the base member 48. The aligned openings 46, 56 may allowthe liquid collected in the second chamber 40 to be drained into thefirst chamber 20. In certain exemplary embodiments, at least one of theopenings 46, 56 may comprise a filter element to limit the size andamount of the solid particles that may be included in the liquid. Toclose the flow passage, the base member 48 and/or the support member 50may be rotated relative to one another to misalign the openings 46, 56,as shown in FIG. 3A.

While FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the base member 48 is rotated 180°relative to the support member 50 to align and misalign the openings 46,56, it should be understood that, so long as the openings 46, 56 can bealigned and misaligned, the base member 48 and/or the support member 50may be rotated less than 180°. It should also be understood that thetransverse wall 48 b and/or the plate member 51 may include a pluralityof openings 46, 56. To prevent any leakage, including during rotationalmovements, the base member 48 and the support member 50 may includesuitable sealing members 43, 54 (e.g., O-rings disposed incircumferential grooves around the openings 46, 56). As mentioned above,the handle 49 or any other suitable indication member known in the artmay be used to indicate whether the openings 46, 56 are aligned or not(i.e., whether the system is in the liquid collection mode or in theliquid draining mode).

In an alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the support member50 may be replaced with a simple actuatable valve (e.g., gate valve,rotary valve, pipe valve, or flap valve) that may selectively open andclose the opening 46 of the base member 48. For example, instead of theplate member 51 of the support member 50, the base member 48 may includean actuatable gate valve that can selectively open and close the opening46 of the base member 48. This embodiment may permit switching from aliquid collection mode to a liquid draining mode by simply actuating thevalve without necessarily rotating the base member 48 or the supportmember 50. Since no rotational movement is required between the basemember 48 and the support member 50, the base member 48 and the supportmember 50 may be integrally formed as a single piece. Alternatively, thesupport member 50 may be completely removed and, instead, the outer wall48 a may be modified to directly engage the first access port 21 of thefirst chamber 20.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, operational characteristics of the liquidcollection system 10, according to various exemplary embodiments, willbe explained. To set up the system 10, the suction source 60 may beconnected to the first chamber 20 via the suction line 62, and thesecond chamber 40 may be attached to the first chamber 20. As discussedabove, inserting the fitting member 58 of the support member 50 into thesecond access port 21 of the first chamber 20 may automaticallyestablish both the suction connection and the fluid connection betweenthe first and second chambers 20, 40, thereby eliminating the otherwisecumbersome, labor-intensive connection processes between the first andsecond chambers 20, 40. Once the second chamber 40 is properlypositioned, the lid 42 may be placed on the main body 45 of the secondchamber 40, and the suction tube 78 may be connected to the connectingport 41. If the medical procedure involves an additional medical devicethat requires suction, the device may be connected to the additionalconnecting port 41.

Once the setup is complete, the suction source 60 may be turned on tostart the liquid collection process, as shown in FIG. 4. At this stage,as mentioned above, the opening 46 of the base member 48 may be closedby the plate member 51. While the liquid is being collected in thesecond chamber 40, the suction conduit 55 may continue to feed thesuction power to the second chamber 40 from the first chamber 20.

Certain medical procedures may require collection of a large volume ofliquid, which may exceed the maximum volume of the second chamber 40. Inthose cases, the suction conduit 55 may function as an overflow passageto continuously handle the liquid collection without interruption. Forexample, when the liquid level in the second chamber 40 rises above thefirst end 55 a of the suction conduit 55, as shown in FIG. 5, the liquidabove the first end 55 a may flow down into the suction conduit 55 (viaa combination of gravity and suction force from the first chamber 20)and into the first chamber 20.

After completion of the medical procedure, the liquid collected in thesecond chamber 40 may be drained into the first chamber 20, as shown inFIG. 6. To drain the liquid, the base member 48 may be rotated to alignits opening 46 with the opening 56 of the support member 50. In someexemplary embodiments, the liquid collected in the second chamber 40 maybe treated prior to transfer to the first chamber 20. The treatment mayinclude, but not be limited to, sanitization, sterilization, orfiltration. The sanitization and sterilization may include addingsuitable chemicals (e.g., chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, etc.) or heatingthe liquid to a high temperature. In an exemplary embodiment, the secondchamber 40 may include a filtration element, such as, for example, anaseptic filter or gross filter, to limit the size and amount of solidsthat may flow into the first chamber 20.

Once the liquid in the second chamber 40 is fully drained into the firstchamber 20, the second chamber 40 may be removed from the system 10 and,for a subsequent medical procedure, a new second chamber 40 may beinstalled. The removed second chamber 40 may be simply placed in a wastestorage container (e.g., red bag), along with its peripherals (e.g.,tubes and connectors, etc.), for disposal. If desired, the used secondchamber 40 may be cleaned and/or disinfected for reuse.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a multi-chamber liquid collection system 100,according another exemplary embodiment consistent with the invention.Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the system 100 maycomprise a first chamber 120 and a second chamber 140, where the volumeof the first chamber 120 is substantially greater than the volume of thesecond chamber 140. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may differfrom the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-6 in that, as will be described indetail herein, this embodiment may utilize a flexible liner 148positioned inside the second chamber 140. The flexible liner 148 mayprevent direct contact between the second chamber 140 and the liquidcollected inside the second chamber 140. This may eliminate the need forreplacing the entire second chamber 140 and, thereby, reduce the overallvolume of waste generated in the medical facility. For example, afterthe medical procedure is completed, only the flexible liner 148 and itsperipherals (e.g., lid, tubes, and/or connectors) may need to bedisposed and replaced.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first chamber 120 may be connected to a suctionsource 160 via a suitable suction line 162 to generate a negativepressure (e.g., vacuum condition) inside the first chamber 120. Thefirst chamber 120 may then communicate with the second chamber 140 via asuitable suction conduit 150 to generate a negative pressure inside thesecond chamber 140. This negative pressure inside the second chamber 140may be used to drain liquid or secretions from a patient during amedical procedure. In some exemplary embodiments, the first chamber 120may include a holding platform 125, on which the second chamber 140 maybe placed. Unless otherwise noted, the configuration and operationalcharacteristics of the first chamber 120 are substantially similar tothose of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6 and, therefore, a detaileddescription thereof will be omitted herein.

The second chamber 140 may comprise a main body 145, a lid 142, and aflexible liner 148 disposed inside the main body 145. The lid 142 mayclose the top opening of the main body 145 and create a liquid-tight,vacuum-tight seal therebetween. The lid 142 may include a firstconnecting port 141 and a second connecting port 149, both incommunication with an interior of the second chamber 140. The firstconnecting port 141 may be used to connect to a suction tube 178 via asuitable connector, and the second connecting port 149 may be used toconnect to the first chamber 120.

The second connecting port 149 may define two separate passages: asuction passage 149 a and a liquid passage 149 b. The liquid passage 149b may extend further down into the interior space 144 than the suctionpassage 149 a and the first connecting port 141 so as enable continuousoperation of the collection system 100 without interruption. As will bedescribed in detail herein, both the suction and liquid passages 149 a,149 b may function as a suction passage until the liquid level insidethe interior space 144 reaches the opening of the liquid passage 149 b.The lid 142 may also include a closure cap 143 configured to close thefirst connecting port 141. In various exemplary embodiments, the lid 142may include additional connecting ports 141 with additional closure caps143.

As shown in FIG. 7, the flexible liner 148 and the lid 142 may definethe substantially sealed interior space 144 with the first and secondconnecting ports 141, 149 being the only connections to outside theinterior space 144. In some exemplary embodiments, the flexible liner148 may be integrally formed with, or configured to attach to, the innersurface of the lid 142. Thus, when the first and second connecting ports141, 149 are closed, the interior space 144 may be substantially fullyenclosed. The flexible liner 148 may be made of a sufficiently durable,yet collapsible material, so that, upon applying a negative pressureinside the interior space 144, the liner 148 can collapse into a smallervolume. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible liner 148 may beconfigured to collapse in a predetermined manner. For example, as shownin FIG. 7, the flexible liner 148 may have a bellow-like configuration.

Like the second chamber 40 of the embodiment shown in, for example,FIGS. 1 and 2, the second chamber 140 may be at least partiallytransparent to enable the medical personnel to examine the content andamount of liquid collected in the second chamber 140. The main body 145may also include volume graduations to more accurately measure theliquid amount collected in the second chamber 140.

As mentioned above, the first chamber 120 may communicate with thesecond chamber 140 via the suitable suction conduit 150. The suctionconduit 150 may comprise a main line 152 and a branch line 154. Theconnection between the main line 152 and the branch line 154 may beconfigured such that, during a draining operation, fluid flowing throughthe main line 152 does not flow into the branch line 154. For example,the main line 152 or the branch line 154 may include a one-way valve(e.g., a flapper valve or a diaphragm) that allows fluid flow in onlyone direction.

In some exemplary embodiments, instead of having the branch line 154branched from the main line 152, the system 100 may include a separateline 154′ that independently connects to the first chamber 120, as shownin FIG. 7A.

The main line 152 may connect to the second connecting port 149 tocommunicate with the interior space 144 inside the flexible liner 148,and the branch line 154 may communicate with an exterior space 146defined between the outer surface of the flexible liner 148 and theinner surface of the second chamber 140. The branch line 154 may includea suitable valve 155 to selectively open and close the branch line 154.As will be explained in more detail herein, when the valve 155 is open,the pressures inside the interior space 144 and the exterior space 146may be substantially the same (e.g., substantially at vacuum condition).Conversely, when the valve 155 is closed, the suction force from thefirst chamber 120 may apply only to the interior space 144 and,therefore, the pressure inside the interior space 144 may besubstantially less than the pressure inside the exterior space 146,which may cause the flexible liner 146 to collapse, as shown in FIG. 8.

In some exemplary embodiments, the valve 155 may comprise a three-wayvalve that, when the valve 155 closes the branch line 154, can establishfluid communication between the exterior space 146 and atmosphere 153.During the draining operation, this arrangement may allow the pressureinside the exterior space 146 to reach atmospheric pressure, so as notto interfere with the collapse of the liner 148.

With reference to FIGS. 7-10, a method of using the liquid collectionsystem 100, according to various aspects of the invention, will beexplained in detail. Prior to performing a medical procedure, the lid142, including the first and second connecting ports 141, 149 and theflexible liner 148, may be placed on the main body 145 of the secondchamber 140. The first connecting port 141 may then be connected to thesuction tube 178, and the main line 152 and the branch line 154 of thesuction conduit 150 may connect to the second connecting port 149 andthe exterior space 146, respectively. Where the medical procedureinvolves an additional medical device that requires suction, the devicemay be connected to an additional connecting port (not shown) of the lid142. In some exemplary embodiments, the suction conduit 150 may beintegrally formed with at least one of the first and second chambers120, 140, which may reduce the number of connections to be made by themedical personnel.

After the initial set up is completed, the suction source 160 may beturned on to start the liquid collection process, as shown in FIG. 7. Atthis stage, the valve 155 in the branch line 154 of the suction conduit150 may be opened, and the suction force from the first chamber 120 maybe equally applied to the interior space 144 and the exterior space 146via the main line 152 and the branch line 154. Consequently, the openedvalve 155 does not affect the flexible liner 148 or the volume of theinterior space 144. Nor does it affect the suction capability of thesuction tube 178. Once the liquid enters the interior space 144, theliquid may flow down into the interior space 144 via gravity.

Where the liquid level in the interior space 144 rises and reaches theopening of the liquid passage 149 b, the liquid may be suctioned out ofthe interior space 144 into the first chamber 120 through the main line152. At this stage, although the liquid passage 149 b may be filled withliquid (i.e., liquid drawn from the second chamber), the suction passage149 a having an end positioned at an higher elevation than the end ofthe liquid passage 149 b may remain open and continue to supply thesuction force to the interior space 144. Thus, the liquid passage 149 bmay function as an overflow mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, thesecond connecting port 149 may have two separate conduits: one for thesuction passage 149 a and the other for the liquid passage 149 b.

After the medical procedure is completed, the liquid collected in theinterior space 144 may be drained into the first chamber 120. To drainthe liquid, the suction tube 178 may be disconnected from the firstconnecting port 141, and the cap 143 may be used to close the firstconnecting port 141. The valve 155 may also be closed to shut off thesupply of suction force to the exterior space 146 and allow fluidcommunication between the exterior space 146 and atmosphere.Disconnecting the suction tube 178 and/or closing the valve 155 may beperformed while the suction source 160 is turned off. These steps,however, may be performed while the suction source 160 is still turnedon.

Once the valve 155 is closed and the first connecting port 141 isclosed, the interior space 144 may communicate only with the main line152 of the suction conduit 150. With the suction source 160 turned on,the negative pressure inside the first chamber 120 may cause theflexible liner 146 to collapse, reducing the volume of the interiorspace 144, as shown in FIG. 8. The reduction in the volume may cause theliquid to be lifted and drained into the first chamber 120 through thesecond connecting port 149.

As shown in FIG. 9, after the liquid in the second chamber 140 iscompletely drained, the suction source 160 may be turned off. The secondconnecting port 149 may then be disconnected from the suction conduit150, and the lid 142 may be removed from the main body 145 along withits peripherals (e.g., the first and second connecting ports 141, 149,the closure cap 143, and the flexible liner 148). The removed lid 142and its peripherals 141, 143, 148, 149 may be placed in a waste storagecontainer 190 (e.g., red bag) for disposal. Thereafter, a new packagecontaining a new lid 142′ (containing new connecting ports 141′, 149′and cap 143′) and a new flexible liner 148′ may be placed onto the mainbody 145. After various tubes and ports are properly connected, thesystem 100 may be ready for a new medical procedure, as shown in FIG.10.

In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid collected inside the secondchamber 140 may be treated (e.g., sanitization, sterilization, orfiltration) before it is drained to the first chamber 120. For example,the liquid may be sanitized and/or sterilized by adding appropriatechemical agents, such as chlorine or hydrogen peroxide, or by heating ata high temperature. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid may befiltered. Gross filtration of the liquid before being transferred to thefirst chamber 120 may reduce the size and amount of solids that may haveto be eventually disposed of from the first chamber 120.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical waste fluid collection system forcollecting medical waste during a medical procedure, comprising: a firstfluid chamber in fluid communication with a suction source; a secondfluid chamber defining an internal space and located externally to thefirst fluid chamber, the second fluid chamber including a connector portfor connecting to a suction tube through which medical waste fluid iscollected in the second fluid chamber; a volume control mechanismlocated at least partially within the internal space of the second fluidchamber and extending through a bottom portion of the second fluidchamber; and a drainage port configured to selectively drain the medicalwaste fluid collected in the internal space of the second fluid chamberinto the first fluid chamber when the fluid collected in the secondchamber has exceeded a maximum fluid level indicated by the volumecontrol mechanism.
 2. The medical waste fluid collection system of claim1, wherein the second fluid chamber has a smaller volume capacity thanthe first fluid chamber.
 3. The medical waste fluid collection system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first fluid chamber and the secondfluid chamber comprises volume graduations.
 4. The medical waste fluidcollection system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of at least oneof the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber comprises atransparent material.
 5. The medical waste fluid collection system ofclaim 1, wherein the volume control mechanism includes the drainageport.
 6. The medical waste fluid collection system of claim 5, whereinthe volume control mechanism is a conduit.
 7. The medical waste fluidcollection system of claim 1, wherein the volume control mechanismcomprises an overflow device.
 8. The medical waste fluid collectionsystem of claim 1, wherein the volume control mechanism comprises asuction conduit.
 9. The medical waste fluid collection system of claim1, wherein the volume control mechanism extends at least partially intoan internal space of the first fluid chamber.
 10. The medical wastefluid collection system of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of thesecond fluid chamber comprises an outlet port.
 11. The medical wastefluid collection system of claim 1, wherein the second fluid chambercomprises a lid, the lid including one or more ports for connection toexternal equipment.
 12. The medical waste fluid collection system ofclaim 1, wherein the first fluid chamber comprises a cap, the capincluding a first access point for communicating with the suction sourceand a second access port for communicating with the second fluidchamber.
 13. The medical waste fluid collection system of claim 1,wherein the second fluid chamber is located in an elevated positionrelative to the first fluid chamber.